Method for the manufacture of a locally weakened leather covering

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a casing covered at least partially with a leather covering, in particular for use in a vehicle, with a locally defined weakened area of the leather covering characterised in that, prior to the introduction of the leather covering's weakened area, at least the area into which the weakening is to be introduced is subjected to a drying treatment.

1 . A method for the manufacture of a casing covered at least partially with a leather covering, in particular for use in a vehicle, with a locally defined weakened area of the leather covering, characterized in that, prior to the introduction of the leather covering's weakened area, at least the area into which the weakening is to be introduced is subjected to a drying treatment.  
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the area into which the weakening is to be introduced has a moisture content <5% before the weakened area is introduced.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that reduction of the moisture, at least of the area into which the weakening is to be introduced, takes place in a climatic chamber or a drying oven.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that reduction of the moisture, at least of the area into which the weakening is to be introduced, takes place in an autoclave.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that reduction of the moisture, at least of the area into which the weakening is to be introduced, takes place preferably by partial application of a vacuum.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the leather covering is applied substantially seam-free of the casing.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the weakened area is produced by means of cutting in, preferably in the form of an undercut introduced on the side of the leather covering facing the casing.  
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , characterized in that the undercut is introduced by means of a cutting tool or a milling cutter.  
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the thickness of the leather covering is 0.2-0.8 mm in the weakened area.  
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the thickness of the leather covering is 0.2-0.4 mm in the region of one or more initial areas for tear initiation.  
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the weakened areas defines tear lines of the leather covering.  
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the casing covers the airbag in a steering wheel or a dashboard disposed in front of the passenger.